Real Life Center Orchard Teams

The Real Life Center Orchard thrives thanks to 9 dedicated teams: Apple, Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig, Maintenance, Mow, Muscadine (Grape), Peach, and Spray Teams. Each team has a leader who trains volunteers to complete specific tasks on scheduled monthly workdays.  Currently, the workdays are on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 10:30 am (weather permitting).
Apple Team
Volunteers fertilize, harvest, prune, and thin the apples. The season begins in February and ends in November. In September and October, the team harvests the apples on Saturday mornings.
Blackberry Team
Volunteers fertilize, harvest, train canes, and weed. Each volunteer is assigned a section of vines and is responsible for the care of this section from March through October.
Blueberry Team
Volunteers fertilize, prune, and weed. Each volunteer is assigned a section of blueberry bushes and is responsible for the care of this section from February through October. Harvesting is done through our U-Pick 4 Others program.
Fig Team
Volunteers fertilize, harvest, prune, and weed. Harvesting generally begins in late summer and continues for 4-6 weeks. During this time, volunteers pick figs 1-2 times per week.
Maintenance Team
Volunteers care for the equipment, fencing, and irrigation to ensure the orchard is functioning properly. These volunteers serve throughout the year.
Mow Team
Volunteers are on a 7–9-week rotation for mowing the grass in the orchard. It typically takes 2-3 hours to mow the grass. This team is also responsible for eliminating weeds in the orchard using the RLC weed eater and spray tank.
Muscadine (Grape) Team
Volunteers fertilize, prune, train vines, and weed. Each volunteer is assigned a section of vines and is responsible for the care of this section from February through October. Harvesting is done through our U-Pick 4 Others program.
Peach Team
Volunteers fertilize, prune, thin, and harvest. The season runs from February through October. In June and July, harvests happen on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings—each session takes about an hour. Just choose one day each week that works best for you.
Spray Team
Volunteers are responsible for applying products to the apple and peach trees to eliminate weeds and pests, and to prevent diseases. A special protective suit must be worn while spraying. Certification is required (RLC will cover the cost).
This Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability Waiver form must be completed for any person volunteering in the RLC Orchard.  Email the completed form to Dixie King, the Orchard Manager, at dking@reallifecenter.org.
Volunteer Agreement Form

Join the Real Life Center Orchard Team

We appreciate your interest in volunteering at the Real Life Center Orchard!  It’s a great way to meet others, enjoy the outdoors, and make a difference.

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